Convenience isn’t always a bad thing when done in moderation. In fact, it can actually make people’s lives better, especially when used to protect their luxury of time rather than being an irresponsible path to comfort.
So when people order their groceries online instead of shopping in a store, they are often far happier than the average person. Not only do they relieve their anxiety that comes from acting in person, but they free themselves from the chaos of the public space.
People who order their groceries online instead of going to the store are happier for these reasons
1. They have more free time
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So many people, usually those who can’t afford it pay for convenience and outsourced laborend up spending their “free” time on housework and childcare. The time they’re not working is basically another full-time job filled with all kinds of new responsibilities.
On the other hand, adults often report higher levels of happiness when they spend money on time-saving goods and services. For some, this means getting groceries delivered instead of going to the grocery store. For others, it means investing in a nanny or a weekend babysitter.
2. They have access to healthier foods
Many people can easily make better choices about groceries when they order on their phones, especially without all the added ads and stimulation that brick-and-mortar stores promote. Fresh foods and nutritious options may even be more accessible.
While there are all kinds of trade-offs, even people who use food aid have them access to more nutritious, healthy food options when ordering grocery deliveries online. Instead of being limited to the stores in their areas, which tend to be a lot less healthy in low-income areasthey can order the kind of fresh food they need.
3. It relieves stress
When you’ve had a long day at work or constantly have a busy, chaotic schedule, sometimes making things easier with convenience is the right move. It takes things off your plate and reduces your cognitive load, leading to less stress.
For some people, like parents with young children, going to the grocery store is their stress reliever. However, not everyone is relieved by the idea to give up their solitude or quality time at home for an errand, or to bring all their kids to the grocery store for an evening outing.
4. They are more present at home
While convenience is often condemned for making people less attentive and more urgent, the truth is that the deliberate use of convenience, like ordering groceries online to save time, can be healthy. They may not slow down at the grocery store and with errands, but the free time this habit offers allows them to be more present at home.
From busy parents to corporate workers who still have little time for themselves at home, these kinds of habits make their lives a little more peaceful.
5. It helps reduce impulsivity and guilt
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Especially for people who tend to use food as a coping mechanism or for comfort who order groceries online can support better, healthier choices. Not only are people less likely to make impulse purchases when they use home delivery, but they also cook healthier.
Yes, impulsiveness often predicts immediate comfort, but in the long run it triggers all kinds of complex feelings of guilt and shame. By using these comfort mechanisms, people may unconsciously reduce their risk of these complex emotions.
6. They avoid decision fatigue
Instead of being bombarded with a million options and sales at the grocery store, people who order delivery online can often avoid decision fatigue. It can be easy to make decisions when they have a set list to search for or the same order to place every single time.
When decision fatigue reduces our willpower and mental energyavoiding it with convenience options makes us happier, healthier people.
7. It protects their energy
For anyone feeling drained from the day, choosing the convenience of home grocery delivery can protect their energy. When socializing and unexpected encounters with acquaintances can seriously drain them and drain their social batteries, it is in their best interest to choose to avoid these spaces on difficult days.
They don’t have to worry about entertaining small talk. They can take the time to look at food options without stress. And for introverts, they can enjoy their energizing alone time without feeling isolated.
8. They are more consistent
When your groceries arrive right at your door and you know exactly what to expect, you save time. However, you also have space to cook yourself and time to spend on other healthy habits. You’ll be more consistent when you don’t have to spend two or more hours driving to a grocery store to shop.
It may seem like a waste of money to someone who enjoys going to the grocery store and spending time in this social setting, but for most, the cost of convenience is more than worth it.
9. They invest in themselves
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When they make the choice to spend on convenience, online shoppers are essentially investing in a future version of themselves. They save time and remove invisible labor from their lives, making sure their future selves have the healthy food they need at home to take care of themselves.
Knowing it’s going to be a busy week makes online shoppers happier, using convenience to their advantage.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & politics and gender studies, focusing on psychology, relationships, self-help and human interest stories.
